UIC GEP 2013
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Anyone applying to UIC's graduate entry program starting Jan. 2013? I've glanced at the threads from the past couple of year's and thought I'd start one for the next application cycle. I'm finishing... Read More

Jul 23, '12

Wow. for what it is worth, Emgal, I think you could have "complained" a lot more than you did on here. "seriously." congrats on your acceptance, glad it worked out! I would not have wanted to be in your position.

Aug 30, '12

Hey guys..just curious if there has been any movement off the waitlist yet? I'm still hopeful

Sep 17, '12

Holdsteady11 and Eidas both highlight some issues/benefits with this program. As a current GEP student I have had my fair share of frustrations with this program, but it is a means to an end. Thankfully UIC's reputation does hold up in other hospitals, and almost every nurse manager I have met is a graduate from UIC (and is proud to mention that I might add). There are issues in regards to not having your B.S.N. and for that I do not have an answer. Really, I think working in a hospital while going through this program may be the best way to overcome some of the first job hiring hurdles and challenges. Good luck to you all!

Also when in the program, do not be afraid to voice the class needs. Some professors are great and others have been really disappointing. Hopefully it will change by the time you get here!

This sounds like a disgruntled student to me. Once you are an RN you should be working at a hospital that offers tuition reimbursement - some at 100%. He said he is working at Loyola, which is a hospital that offers tuition reimbursement.

Every general entry masters is an MS in Nursing, because no one is an RN entering the program. It is still a Masters.

Also, the reason you finish your specialty and Masters part time is because you NEED at least two years of experience before you can sit for your specialty. Remember, in this program you are getting your NP or CNS, unlike DePaul where you get your RN and a Master's with no ANP.

If he would have done his research beforehand, there shouldn't be any complaints! The program is ranked #11 nationally, above some of the Ivy league schools. Don't let naysayers make an impression on you because what they wanted was not in line with what you want!

And also, most positive people who are networking while they are in school have NO problem landing a job. Many of many friends had jobs waiting for them before they graduated, because they did things the smart way.

I realize I am late to the party, but you are correct...I am disgruntled.

1. Almost NO hospital will offer you retroactive tuition reimbursement (well, the VA will), none will offer 100% reimbursement. And there certainly are strings attached when your employer does offer you tuition reimbursement. Loyola does offer tuition reimbursement as long as you attend LOYOLA SCHOOL OF NURSING. If you are at...say...UIC, you get $395/yr. True fact.

2. I have transferred to another hospital which does offer tuition reimbursement. The maximum is $8,000/year which leaves me short by about....$16,000. In addition, accepting that tuition reimbursement requires me to agree to remain at that hospital for 3 years after graduation. With the job market the way it is, it is a horrible idea to tie yourself to one hospital. If they do not hire NPs or do not have any NP openings, the education you worked so hard to complete will go to waste.

3. Good luck getting a job without a BSN (or an ADN). Many hospitals (especially those that are renewing Magnet status) require 100% of their new hires to have a BSN. Current staff nurses are required complete their BSN within 5 years. They will not hire a nurse without a BSN. No exceptions. I have been there. On the bright side, community hospitals will be more than willing to hire you.

That's all I have to say about that. When you have completed the program and gone job hunting, feel free to make comments. If you peruse the board, you will see I am not the only person taking issue with the poor design of these programs.

One final comment: college ranking and education provided are not related. Yeah, UIC is ranked #11. So what? I know plenty of nurses who graduated from city colleges that could nurse circles around top school graduates. Remember, UIC is very, very picky about who they admit. If they only admit top students, of course they are going to graduate top nurses, regardless of the education.

Sep 27, '12

Oh....a word of advice to those just starting the program....my comments only pertain to the graduate portion of the program. With the exception of the whole "BSN" issue, the first 15 months does a fantastic job of preparing you to be a nurse. No matter how much you think you're not ready, when you pass the NCLEX, you will be ready. Much more so than most new graduates. Use your instructors. Ask them a million questions. Most of them have been nurses way longer than the rest of us have been alive. Listen to them and learn as much as you can.

Graduate program is a totally different story.

Oct 22, '12

Quote from mvanz9999

Oh....a word of advice to those just starting the program....my comments only pertain to the graduate portion of the program. With the exception of the whole "BSN" issue, the first 15 months does a fantastic job of preparing you to be a nurse. No matter how much you think you're not ready, when you pass the NCLEX, you will be ready. Much more so than most new graduates. Use your instructors. Ask them a million questions. Most of them have been nurses way longer than the rest of us have been alive. Listen to them and learn as much as you can.

Graduate program is a totally different story.

I have a couple questions I was hoping to ask you... I tried to PM you but it said your inbox was full. Can I email or call you??

Dec 26, '12

Hello, I am also applying for the 2014 class.

Anyone have an idea about how long the essays need to be? I have been combing the forums but can't seem to find an answer. I have already emailed UIC but they take up to 9 business days so reply so I was hoping to expedite the process.

I know 600 words is required for the goal statement (if I'm interpreting the website correctly), but what about the other questions?

Thanks!

Jan 20, '13

hi,

The applications seem to be open now. I am having difficulty logging in. This is my second time creating an application and every time I input my login info it prompts me that it's incorrect :/ There is not even a login retrieve password/change password link....

Is anyone else having the same trouble as me?

Feb 5, '13

[QUOTE="rainkissedleaves;7129118"]

I had trouble as well. I contacted UIC and they told me to set up a new account drag cause I had almost all my info in. But it worked and my app is finished and submitted.

Anyone have an idea about how long the essays need to be? I have been combing the forums but can't seem to find an answer. I have already emailed UIC but they take up to 9 business days so reply so I was hoping to expedite the process.

I know 600 words is required for the goal statement (if I'm interpreting the website correctly), but what about the other questions?

Thanks!

I'm pretty sure that the 600 words is a maximum, not minimum. Most essays should be less than 1200 words from my understanding. Intro, 2-3 body paragraphs and a conclusion. Hope that helps.